IU loses assistant basketball coach Kenny Johnson

FILE - Kenny Johnson is the assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the Indiana Hoosiers men's basketball team. He works the bench alongside head coach Tom Crean during games. The Indiana Hoosiers hosted the Chicago State Cougars at Assembly Hall Friday, November 8, 2013.
(Photo:
Mike Fender / The Star
)

Assistant men's basketball coach Kenny Johnson has accepted a job offer from Louisville, leaving Indiana one coach short of a full staff. Whether Tom Crean can find another assistant capable of the same impact Johnson made in just two years in Bloomington remains to be seen.

An assistant coach in title, Johnson also carried the distinction of "recruiting coordinator," a sometimes-nominal position that nonetheless spoke to his strength. Both locally and in talent-rich pockets of the East Coast, Johnson was a key recruiter for Indiana in the last two years.

A replacement for current Samford head coach Bennie Seltzer, Johnson immediately shifted recruiting momentum for the Hoosiers. He helped IU land guard Stanford Robinson, and he played a crucial role in signing Noah Vonleh and Troy Williams in 2013 as well.

In 2014, Indiana's most recent recruiting class, Johnson helped land Richmond, Va., guard Robert Johnson and was also key in recommitting Marion guard James Blackmon Jr., who opened his recruitment back up late in the summer.

Prior to taking an assistant coaching position at Towson, Johnson coached for touted Nike EYBL program Team Takeover in the Washington, D.C., area. Team Takeover produced former Hoosiers Victor Oladipo and Maurice Creek.

Johnson was also lauded by current players for his abilities as a mentor. He also earned praise for his gameplanning as well.

The Oxon Hill, Md., native had been a candidate for open positions at Louisville and Maryland, his alma mater. Johnson made about $200,000 at Indiana. While salary figures aren't yet available, The Star understands Louisville was willing to offer a significant pay raise.